Model Advice
Preparing for a shoot
Many new models don't have a clue what to bring to a shoot. The key is being organised. You should start planning everything that has to do with your shoot at least two days ahead of time. This way you have extra time in case there are any last minute things you need from the store or up in the loft, etc.
How are you travelling?
I travel often by plane or train. Travelling either by public transport or by private vehicle, it's important to have thoroughly researched your route. Have an atlas in your car and in every case, your exact map of how to get to your destination. The information you should have when you walk out your door is your map or transportation route, and a mobile and a landline number for your photographer, as well as a phone number for your destination if it is different than the photographer's number (studio, hotel, etc.) Even if you have a chaperone, these numbers as well as every piece of information you have as to your location and who you are shooting with should be copied and left with either your husband, boyfriend, parents, siblings, best mate, etc. This should be someone you could contact at anytime during an emergency.
Make sure you put these items in your purse or case the night before the shoot. It is too easy to leave this valuable information at home. Also make sure your mobile phone is on full charge and that you have a pen and paper as well. If you are travelling by public transport it's always a good idea to call the night before or before you leave your home and ask if the trains, etc. are on schedule. Some of my train journeys are up to 5+ hours one way, so I take a book or two to keep myself entertained.
Skin
Whether you are doing nude or clothed work, the condition of your skin is so important. We should all be drinking plenty of water, but try to up your water intake at least 24-48 hours before a shoot. This will help flush your body of toxins and hydrate your skin.
If you are going to use a fake tan product, it's best to do that at least two or three days prior to the shoot. They tend to smell funny the first day or so, and I for one don't like travelling smelling like rotten apricots. They've also had time to reach full intensity and won't rub off on your clothing. Lotion and exfoliating products are musts (fake tan or not). Dead skin cells just don't compare to the lovely glow of freshly scrubbed and moisturised skin. There's a psychology there as well. When you walk out your door feeling like you've pampered yourself for a few days, you'll have more confidence.
Make sure your nails are manicured and the polish is perfect. Toes and fingers should match. Don't show up at the shoot and try to polish your nails. Some photographers detest French manicures because they stand out so bright and white that they detract from the subject. It's OK to ask your photographer if he/she has any preferences on how you do your nails.
If you are doing nude work, make sure to wear loose fitting garments to your shoot. Bras, knickers/panties, socks, or watch lines on your skin can detract from nude images. It's best to travel with as little on as possible. I have a lovely sweater dress for winter travel and wear a loose shift type dress for summer. Bring along a little dressing gown and toss it to the side while you shoot. Sometimes the photographer has to mess with the lights or change the background, so you can slip it on for a bit of security.
Moisturised skin is a must for nudes, so bring a bottle of lotion to the shoot and put on some extra the minute you get in the changing area. Some photographers like to use glycerine or oil to accentuate the skin, so having some baby wipes or something to wipe your skin when the shoot is over is handy. Sometimes your shoot includes a combination of nude and clothed work. I usually do the nude work first so I don't have to worry about any lines on my skin made from clothing changes. Lines can take 30-60+ minutes to disappear, so it's an important consideration.
Shave your legs, armpits, or any other bits you shave the night before or the morning of the shoot. If you get a rash/red bumps from shaving know from a bit of trial and error how long it takes for them to disappear. You may have to shave that area a few days before the shoot if you have this problem.
If you wax, rather than shave, plan it several days before the shoot so there is no redness. Also little things like making sure your eyebrows are tidy, nose hairs, etc. will be an advantage for close up portrait work. Acne, scars, tattoos, etc. will be covered in a separate article.
Makeup and Hair
If you are not working with a MUA (makeup artist), then I'm sure you know what makeup works best for you. Make sure you've inspected your makeup and all your pencils are sharp (tuck that sharpener in your bag in case one breaks). Check that you have plenty of clean sponges and applicators. Some things to bring along that are often not in studios are these: A small makeup mirror that you can sit in front of you (often studios don't have mirrors, or if they do, they're not suitable to for close up work), tissues, cotton buds, makeup remover or wipes, and lip gloss to go over your lipstick is very handy. Eye drops are also a good thing to have along, or if you wear contacts, make sure you have all your gear.
Take along some hairspray, hair ornaments, curling iron, or whatever you feel you'll need to fix your hair between changes. I plan my changes according to how my hair will behave. If you plan to wear a hat or a wig in any of your 'looks', make sure to do those towards the end of the shoot, since wigs and hats tend to flatten your hair.
Jewellery
Less is best. Jewellery can be very distracting in an image, so use it carefully. Watches are a no-no unless you are doing an advertisement for watches. Always polish or dip your jewellery (especially the silver) and make sure it is clean and bright. It is so easy to misplace an earring in the rush of dressing. Don't just throw your jewellery in your handbag. It's good to have a list of the jewellery you brought and keep it all in a designated bag with that list. Then you've idiot-proofed yourself against leaving your favourite bracelet or one earring behind. It's prudent to leave very expensive rings or even your wedding ring at home, or at least keep those items in your designated jewellery pouch/bag during the shoot.
Clothing
I try on each outfit I am planning to wear for a shoot a day or two before the shoot. I try on each outfit along with the accessories, shoes, etc. I pose in front of the mirror from all angles and see how they move and how they look, oftentimes changing items until I get the look just perfect. I then take that outfit off, stack it all together and go on with my next selection until I have 4-6 changes to take along. I then open my suitcase and carefully pack everything. Many studios (or especially location shoots) don't have an iron or board. Packing well is extremely important. Here are some of my handy hints.
Scarves are almost impossible to pack without fold marks. Try wrapping them around empty tubes such as foil or cling film rolls. They travel well and look freshly ironed for the shoot.
Dresses and daintier items travel well if they are wrapped in tissue or greaseproof kitchen paper as you fold them. Buy a box of zip lock bags. It's best to have the type that you can write the contents on the bag (use a Sharpie or any permanent marker if you can) I take all my small items and organise them in this fashion. It's also good because you can do a quick inventory before you leave and make sure you didn't leave your good stockings or favourite thong behind.
My bags are organised something like this: One bag may contain only gloves. The other bag may have only stockings/tights. Another bag might contain a matching white bra/knickers garter/suspender and stockings. However you feel is best to organise your smaller items. Make sure what is in the bag when you leave your house is clearly marked on that bag. When you are ready to leave the shoot, you put the items back in that bag and check the contents against the label. You should never leave behind any items you have that way. You are also very organised for your shoot and can quickly and easily change looks confident that each bag contains exactly what you need at that moment.
When you arrive at the shoot, open your case and show the photographer your outfits and discuss your ideas and get each other's input. It's always best to bring too much, but you don't want to look like you're moving in. Being very organised will not only impress your photographer, but will also avoid bringing way too much. If you accidentally pack any item that belongs to the photographer and take it home, get in touch ASAP with your photographer and make arrangements to send them back to him/her.
Miscellaneous
Music may be important to you, so bring along a few of your favourite CDs if there is a way to play them at the shoot. Bring along an emery board. A chipped nail can wreak havoc on tights or stockings. It's also good to have duplicates of stockings or tights since a run/ladder could be a real problem. A few safety pins and a small sewing kit should be standard in your case as well. Sometimes a seam might split or any other little emergency. A bulldog clip comes in handy sometimes as well, especially if you are going to use the photographer's clothes. You can clip the back of a dress that is a bit too big and make it appear to be your size.
I make sure to have bottle of water during travel and during the shoot. Bring some change for toilets at the station or an emergency phone call (in case you lose your mobile). You might want to pack a light snack, although photographers are usually very good about making sure their models have coffee/tea and a snack, but some don't, so be prepared if you know you'll need to have a snack.
Touching on other subjects of being prepared for a shoot are these. Some photographers require proof of age, so make sure to have discussed this in advance and bring along a passport or other ID. The subject of chaperones is covered in a separate article on this site. Discuss that subject well in advance with your photographer and make sure everyone is clear on your chaperone's role at the shoot.
Also discuss your limits concerning nudity and touch. Photographers are usually very cautious about touching models (to fine tune your outfit or a stray bit of hair), but if you simply cannot abide being touched by a stranger, tell them so. Also be aware that the phrase 'figure work' means nudity.
It is also important to discuss when your prints/CDs or payment will be forthcoming. Signing releases shall be covered in a separate article as well. Discuss with your photographer whether or not he/she will require a release.
Also discuss if you will be required to sign before or after the shoot, or any provisions you both will make on that release. Little details like this can destroy the photographer/model relationship if they are not discussed and any differences or misconceptions ironed out well before the shoot. Above all have fun, have a laugh, and don't take it too seriously. Everyone wants to be professional, but we're all just like-minded individuals who are coming together to create images. Be on time, don't cancel at the last minute, and have a great time! The more relaxed and confident you are, the better the shoot will go. All of this takes planning on the part of all parties involved. Don't be the weakest link !
Michaela